Temporary urethral stenting after high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate

The objective of this study was to assess the use of temporary stenting of the prostatic urethra for the prevention of acute urinary retention after high-energy transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) of the prostate. Stenting was performed immediately after high-energy microwave therapy. Two stents were used at two sites; at one site a silicone transurethral prostatic bridge was used in 42 patients, and at the second site a self-reinforced polyglycolic acid (SR-PGA) biodegradable spiral was used in 16 patients. Patients were scheduled for TUMT for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Preoperative investigations included determination of a symptom score, measurement of the peak flow rate, and determination of the voided volume. The patients were treated using the Prostatron TUMT system. The software used provided a maximal power output of 70 W. After 1 week as well as 1, 3, 6, and 12 months the measurements were repeated and the effect of the stents was assessed. The symptom score, peak flow rate, and voided volume showed a significant improvement. Improvement was observed at first visit and sustained during the follow-up. Prophylaxis of acute urinary retention after TUMT can easily be managed by temporary stenting of the prostatic urethra. Temporary stenting can be routinely proposed after high-energy TUMT of the prostate.